The power of persuasion and how to channel it at work

Author Mike Drayton, a clinical psychologist and leadership coach at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, explores attributes professionals can build on to be more persuasive at work, key distinctions between persuasion and manipulation, and examples of coercion in the workplace.

He also explains why expanding influence in the workplace is less about “clever words or phrases” and more about exhibiting expertise and reliability.

On 8 May, Drayton is scheduled to speak on influencing and persuasion skills at AICPA & CIMA’s 2025 CPD 360 Annual Conference at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement in the UK.

Last July on the FM podcast, he shared tips for managing burnout, including how to adopt firm boundaries to prioritise wellbeing.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

§ Some differences between influence and persuasion.

§ Attributes and behaviours that can make us more persuasive.

§ Distinctions between persuasion and manipulation.

§ How to spot and respond to coercive tactics in the workplace.

§ Two fundamental traits that make us more respected at work.

§ Questions to help professionals identify their strengths and weaknesses.